(Winner of France's 2008 Grand Prix de Littérature Policière for Best International Crime Novel) In this gripping mystery by leading Scandinavian mystery writer Camilla Läckberg—the first to be published in the United States—Erica Falck returns to her tiny hometown of Fjällbacka, Sweden, after her parents' deaths, only to encounter another personal tragedy: the apparent suicide of her childhood best friend Alexandra. The author of a string of wildly popular crime novels since 2002, Camilla Läckberg has become the most successful native author in Swedish history and the most popular female author in Europe, with books translated in 35 languages—including outstanding English versions by award-winning husband and wife translators Steven T. Murray and Tiina Nunnally. Through the cases of police detective Patrik Hedström and his family life with his partner Erika Falck, Läckberg probes the darkest corners and deepest secrets of her coastal hometown Fjällbacka.

"The grieving parents ask Erica to write an article about Alex for a local newsletter, which forces her to try to make sense of her friend's life and death. As Erica delves deeper into Alex's past, she begins to work with a local police officer, Patrik, another childhood friend, and together they uncover secrets that some people would greatly prefer were left secret.... This excellent thriller is a must-read for fans of Scandinavian crime literature."—Booklist (starred review)